Good starter box?

[Mnster]

I have this piece of junk duratrax 1/10 scale starter box it's do for replacement. The switch to activate the unit caught on fire and burnt. The wiring has caught on fire twice and I've gone through about 4 motors. My little Novarossi cx.12 has a large amount of compression, it is a race engine. Like most race engines the little small block is very stubborn to start. I really have to crank and crank to get the engine warm like to fire up. I have found out that I was using a glow plug that was to cold. So this coming racing season I want to start with a new box. I'm tired of wasting money on starter box parts when I could just get a decent box. Now I have heard that the dual motor boxes have more torque but since the horror of the last box I am thinking just one motor would be nice, less wiring, less things to catch fire. What is a good inexpensive box that can be used for both a XXX-NT and a RC10GT without much effort?

I've had my eye on the Integy box with the dual 750 motors. Sure its over kill but it would be nice. I would like something much cheaper in price though.
http://integy.automated-shops.com/cgi-bi...5272400.85

Things I am looking for in a starter box are. Light weight (I have to carry it every where), Alligator clips (I like hooking the box to my car battery for max juice), Reliable (why I need a box in the first place) and low cost.

I've been looking into used units.

[NickGT]

Go to the Associated site and go to Web Deals thread. They sell refurbished AE boxes for $60. They are awesome. Consider using a couple of stick packs to run it. Less weight and you can charge them at the track if needed. I dragged a car battery around for the first 2 years in the hobby...never again!

[snakebite46]

I've been using this box for awhile now with zero problems on my 1/8th scale and UMT. Matter of fact, I just bought a new one on Thursday to replace one. Replaced because I had the wires routed wrong and they ended up rubbing on the starter wheel.

AE Starter box

It should work out good for you considering it has zero problems starting up a new P5 for break-in.

[Toughtrax]

If you dont mind spending the money the Mugen one is a good box too, I just use 2 3000 packs in it and works all day long with no trouble.

[Mnster]

I just bought a new one on Thursday to replace one. Replaced because I had the wires routed wrong and they ended up rubbing on the starter wheel.

You wouldn't want to sell your old one would you? I can fix wires.


The associated box looks like a good box to have. I have 16 stick packs for my electric trucks so finding 2 packs to use should not be much trouble.

[snakebite46]

Sorry bud, keeping it as spare parts.

[Mnster]

Thats what I would do, just figured I would ask. Thanks

How long does the stick packs run time last? With some gp3300 cells. I want to be able to start my truck 4 times and start my brothers truck 4 times before the batterys dump. The packs don't just slide out do they? You would have the disassemble the box to get to them right?

EDIT: After looking at the pictures I see that it is open on the bottom for easy access. But are the packs still swapable with ease?

[snakebite46]

Yup they come out very easy. Has a latch that holds the packs in place. I bought some cheap Venom 3300 packs to it and they last a racing weekend.

[Sh1nn3r]

How much is cheap?

[rocco79]

60-70 bucks

[snakebite46]

You talking about the battery packs ? 28 bucks a pack.

[rocco79]

Yeah... I was. I meant for two wit tax...I know at HT in st.charles those packs are $31 each... So i estimated off that

[snakebite46]

Gotcha.

[FINN]

I use the Thnder Tiger box. Same as the AE box, good stuff.

[Mnster]

You can buy 3300GP packs at radioshack for $25 they are better then my unmatched SMC's.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....56.2032147

[Mnster]

Thanks guys, I have scored a used AE box in like new condition for $30 from the RC-Tech forums.

I'll let you know how it go's.

Is the gel cell a worthy upgrade?

[Tex]

I use a gel cell with no problems on any starter box I have owned.

[cemeb4dk]

I run 2 3300 in my box.. This keeps it light, the whole purpose of the ae box is to be lightweight. I get a full day racing out of my 2 stick packs.

[snakebite46]

Hi George.